Japan Airlines Group has introduced air-conditioned vests and breathable uniforms to protect ground-handling and maintenance staff from record-breaking heat [1].

These measures are critical as extreme temperatures increase the risk of heatstroke for employees working on open airport aprons and in hangars. The initiative targets approximately 6,000 ground-handling staff [1] operating across 51 domestic airports in Japan [1].

The company developed original air-conditioned vests featuring a fan system capable of reducing temperatures to 40 degrees Celsius lower than the ambient air [1]. These vests also include three pockets designed to hold ice packs [1]. Currently, 80 percent of the eligible staff are using the cooling vests [1].

Beyond wearable technology, JAL has updated its dress code to include breathable polo-shirt uniforms [1]. To manage heat in cargo warehouses, the group installed large fans with a diameter of seven meters [1].

Further expansions to the heat-mitigation strategy are scheduled for next month. The company plans to deploy mobile air-conditioned trailer houses in August 2026 [1] to provide staff with climate-controlled recovery areas during their shifts.

These deployments cover various high-risk zones, including cargo warehouses, and aircraft hangars, where traditional air conditioning is often impractical due to the scale of the facilities [1].

“The company developed original air-conditioned vests featuring a fan system capable of reducing temperatures to 40 degrees Celsius lower than the ambient air.”

The scale of JAL's investment in specialized cooling gear reflects a broader trend in Japanese industrial safety as the region faces more frequent and severe heatwaves. By moving beyond standard uniforms to integrated cooling technology and mobile infrastructure, the airline is attempting to maintain operational safety and labor productivity in environments where traditional climate control is impossible.